The new fad has seen teenagers across America challenging their friends to digest washing detergent capsules and upload their reactions – it’s basically the ice bucket challenge but for the socially inept.

Despite its absurdity, the videos being uploaded by those who take part, are generating views which number in the hundreds of thousands.

Public service announcements are already being issued by health organisations across the US in order to put young people off from taking part in the challenge, as eating one of these tide pods could result in ‘serious health implications’ according to various organisations, report The Telegraph.

The situation has become so dire they’ve even recruited NFL player Rob Gronkowski – who’s well known for his child-like antics – to record an awareness video.

If I’m being honest, awareness video’s such as Gronk’s are likely to have little effect – kids don’t want to be told what they should or shouldn’t do – if you really wanted to stop the madness the best way is for old, out-of-touch seniors to take part in the challenge too – it’s the best way to put these kids off from doing dumb things.

While the concerned, older generation would never do such a challenge, at least YouTube is doing everything in their power to stop its popularity.

YouTube released a press statement saying:

YouTube’s Community Guidelines prohibit content that’s intended to encourage dangerous activities that have an inherent risk of physical harm. We work to quickly remove flagged videos that violate our policies

YouTube (now removed)

Users who have uploaded their tide pod challenge will have their videos deleted and can face a possible ban or a restriction in features on their account.

While an outright ban is highly unlikely, the major video streaming platform operates on a three-strikes system – if someone receives three strikes in three months they’ll be banned from YouTube indefinitely.

Back in 2013, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning:

Young children who are exposed to the highly concentrated, toxic detergent are at risk of serious injury.